Practical Tips for a Zen Standing Stone Construction

A Japanese standing stone garden (tate-ishi niwa) focuses on vertical stones as the main expression of balance, time, and stillness. It’s ideal for small gardens because it relies on form and placement rather than plants. Here are practical, experience-based tips to help you create one that feels authentic and calm.

1. Start With Fewer Stones Than You Think

This is the most common mistake.

Practical guidance:

• Small garden (2–4 m²): 3 stones only

• Medium garden: 5 stones max

• Ensure you have good access - large stones can be heavy

Use odd numbers—they feel natural and unresolved, which is intentional in Japanese design.

2. Choose the Right Stone Shapes

Standing stone gardens depend on character, not polish.

Please have a look at our large stones and slate stacks

Look for:

• Natural fractures

• Uneven tops

• One clear “face” side

Avoid: smooth, round, or identical stones.

3. Understand the Stone Roles (Very Important)

Traditional placement assigns roles, not symmetry.

A classic 3-stone grouping:

1. Main stone (Oya-ishi)
   – Tallest, strongest presence
   – Slightly off-centre

2. Supporting stone (Fuku-ishi)
   – Shorter, angled toward the main stone

3. Base stone (Soe-ishi)
   – Low and grounding, stabilises the group

This creates a visual “conversation” rather than a pattern.

4. Set Stones Deep Into the Ground

A standing stone should look rooted, not placed.

Practical rule:

• Bury ⅓ to ½ of each stone below ground

• Dig deeper than you think you need

• Pack soil and gravel firmly around the base

If a stone looks like it could be lifted easily, it’s not deep enough.

5. Tilt, Don’t Straighten

Perfectly upright stones feel unnatural.

Tips:

• Lean stones slightly forward or sideways

• Align the tilt so stones “face” each other

• Never align all stones vertically or at the same angle

• Ensure the stones are safe in position and will not topple if climbed on or pushed

6. Keep the Ground Treatment Simple

The stones must dominate visually. Before you infill with gravel, consider the use of low voltage lighting to illuminate the area at night

Good ground finishes:

• Fine raked silver grey gravel

• Compact crushed slate

• Moss (in shaded, damp areas)

Avoid:

• Mixed gravel colours

• Busy paving

• Decorative aggregates

7. Use Space as a Design Element

Empty space (ma) is part of the garden.

Practical advice:

• Leave more open ground than stone

• Avoid filling gaps with plants or ornaments

• Let shadows and light do the work

8. Planting Should Be Minimal or Absent

If you add plants, they should support, not compete.

Safe options:

• Moss at the stone base

• One low evergreen shrub

• A single clump of Japanese forest grass

No flowers, no colour clashes.

9. View the Garden From One Main Angle

Standing stone gardens are usually composed for one primary viewpoint.

Tip:

• Place stones, then step back to where you’ll usually stand or sit

• Adjust angles until the composition feels calm from that position

10. Stop Before It Feels Finished

This sounds strange—but it’s essential.

Japanese stone gardens often feel:

• Slightly incomplete

• Asymmetrical

• Quiet rather than decorative

That restraint is what creates serenity.

A Simple, Fail-Safe Starter Layout

If you want something foolproof:

• Area: 2 × 2 m

• Stones: 3

• Ground: silver grey gravel

• One stone tall, one medium, one low

• Slightly angled, grouped asymmetrically